In this Oct. 23, 2013, photo, a marijuana plant grows at the River Rock marijuana growing facility in Denver. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

(Newser)
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The exact nature of the relationship between schizophrenia and cannabis still isn't clear to scientists, but a new study offers additional clues. Researchers studied genetic data on 2,082 people, about half of whom had used cannabis, Reuters reports; they focused on the number of schizophrenia-linked genes in the subjects. The experts found that those with a predisposition to the illness were more likely to use cannabis—and to use more of it—than were those without schizophrenia-linked genes, regardless of mental health history.

In other words, says a researcher, the study suggests "a pre-disposition to schizophrenia also increases your likelihood of cannabis use." The Verge explains the complexities of the possible relationship between schizophrenia and marijuana: In the 1960s, for instance, scientists thought that smoking marijuana could cause psychosis in most people; these days, researchers believe using the drug may spur schizophrenia in those who are predisposed to it. The new study effectively turns the idea around, suggesting that those who are predisposed to the illness may also be predisposed to using marijuana. But that doesn't mean weed use doesn't increase schizophrenia risk, an outside expert notes: "Both (theories) may be true."

Seems to Me that it is more likely that schizophrenics are TREATING Themselves when They use cannabis, and not that cannabis triggers anything. I think this is a piece put out by the controlled media to demonize pot. To leap to the conclusion that, though Ones with the gene tend to like it more does NOT follow that it is triggering anything.

Dee Brouwer

Mar 18, 2015 1:48 PM CDT

This should say more along these lines "associate with, but does not cause schizophrenia". You either have it or you don't. I think marijuana smoking can sometimes cause the positive symptoms of schizophrenia to show earlier than might have happened if the person did not use it, but will not make a person go schizophrenic.